You're Out, Daddy novel (Natasha and Kenneth)

Spencer paused in kissing Thalia, looking down and gaping at her with a surprised look in his eyes.

Thalia was silent briefly before admitting softly, "I learned all of this from watching TV."

"You..."

Spencer wanted to say something, but the words got stuck in his throat, leaving him unable to utter a single word.

He had always assumed that Thalia must have had a few boyfriends through the years since it was nothing out of the ordinary. Therefore, he had never harbored any unrealistic expectations. But upon hearing her admission right then, he was suddenly at a loss for a reaction.

Delight flooded him, but a sense of conflict overshadowed it.

He was not a conservative man. Instead, he was open-minded about such a thing. To him, meeting her again was a godsend blessing. At this moment, however, he really did not know what to do as he looked at her.

Seeing him staring at her, Thalia frowned. "What's wrong?"

Spencer's lips twitched slightly, seemingly having something to say yet hesitant to speak.

At that, Thalia asked, "Do you find me boring?"

"No, it's not that."

"I may lack experience, but I'm a quick learner," Thalia said.

Upon hearing that, Spencer immediately cut her off. "That wasn't what I meant."

"Then?"

"I..." Spencer struggled to find the right words.

"What on earth is wrong with you?" Thalia asked.

At that moment, Spencer looked at her and held her tightly. "Nothing."

Thalia was slightly taken aback. It did not seem as though he disdained her since he was the one who took the initiative to hug her then. Besides, she could sense how much he cherished her through his embrace. Still, something seemed off.

Thalia was somewhat puzzled. "What's wrong with you?"

"Nothing. Just let me hold you," Spencer said softly, carefully pulling her into his embrace as though he were cradling a rare treasure.

Thalia did not move, simply allowing him to hold her. Leaning against his chest and listening to his strong and powerful With that, time ticked by. Spencer seemingly did nothing more or planned to take things further.

artbeat, she felt an indescribable sense of peace.

Thalia wanted to say something, but she did not want to shatter the peace. It was rare for Spencer to hold her in such a manner, so it was something she had never experienced before. Deep down, she was already very much contented.

And so, drowsiness assailed Thalia while she was enveloped in Spencer's embrace. Unbidden, she gradually drifted off to sleep.

Only when the sound of even breathing drifted into his ears did Spencer realize she had fallen asleep. He looked down to find her curled up in his arms.

He knew it was a posture that revealed a deep sense of insecurity. She usually appeared carefree and untroubled, but at that moment, she looked just like a child, tugging at one's heartstrings.

Spencer scrutinized her. It was only at that moment while she was asleep that he could gaze upon her without restraint, setting free his feelings and longing toward her.

His brows furrowed and eased from time to time. As he looked at her, he wished time would stop at that very moment.

Ah, forget it! Who needs an eternity? I just want the present, seizing every moment!

At that thought, he leaned closer and gently kissed her ear. In the next moment, he held her tightly in his arms.

He closed his eyes, and a voice seemingly spoke to him from within.

Just act as if nothing ever happened, Spencer. Just be a liar and deceive her for a lifetime, using the rest of your life to make amends and reparations.

With that in mind, he slowly tightened his arms around her, hugging her even more firmly.

Meanwhile, Anthony was lying in bed in his room.

He tossed and turned, sleep eluding him.

He could not quite put his finger on it, but something felt off. His mind was filled with Kenneth's gaze and expression when the man looked at him.

He glanced up at the clock countless times. Never before had he found the night to be so long.

If Natasha were not such a sleep enthusiast, he might have gotten out of bed to look in on her right then and there.

Once again, he lifted his eyes and looked at the time. Let's wait for a while longer. Dawn is almost here.

And so, amidst such prayers, Anthony drifted off into a light slumber.

In the morning, he suddenly shuddered as he jolted awake. It was as though he had a nightmare, for his eyes were still tinged with a trace of fear.

It took him a few seconds to gather his wits about him. He glanced up at the clock above. It was not even eight o'clock yet.

With a sigh, Anthony finally got out of bed to wash up.

Half an hour later, he headed out of his room, neatly dressed.

His room was not far from Natasha's, just a few meters apart. He initially wanted to go straight there, but he looked at his watch and checked the time. Natasha usually slept until she woke up naturally, around nine o'clock in the morning.

Following that thought, Anthony suppressed his longing and worry for Natasha, turning around to head downstairs instead.

In the dining room, Anthony was alone after going downstairs.

It was uncertain whether everyone had already eaten otherwise.

Just then, the housekeeper served him breakfast. He dipped of his head a fraction. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

The housekeeper was about to leave when something suddenly occurred to Anthony. He looked at her and said, "Wait a moment."

The housekeeper glanced back over her shoulder and looked at Anthony. Smiling, she inquired, "Is there something else you need, Mr. Anthony?"

Anthony bore his eyes into her. "I wonder if my mommy slacked off and neglected to eat properly while I was away these past few days."

At his concern, the housekeeper laughed. "Don't worry. With Mr. Hamilton's supervising her, she had been eating properly, never missing a single meal." "Is that so?"

The housekeeper nodded.

For some inexplicable reason, those words eased the worry within him.

In that case, Nat must be perfectly fine!

At that, Anthony's mood instantly brightened. Looking at the housekeeper, he said, "All right, I got it. Thank you."

"You're welcome." While saying that, the housekeeper left with the tray in hand.

Anthony lowered his eyes and started eating. Perhaps the housekeeper's words had an effect on him, for he was not as worried anymore. The food even started to taste better. He glanced at the time ever so often, eagerly waiting for nine o'clock to come.

Just then, Dave walked in from outside. Seeing that Anthony was alone, he approached the boy. "Good morning."

Anthony looked up. Upon seeing Dave, he smiled and greeted, "Good morning, Mr. Dave."

"Why didn't you sleep longer? Were you hungry to wake up so early?" Dave asked.

"No, it's just that I couldn't sleep," Anthony said.

Dave sat down across from him with his gaze fixed on his phone. It was as though he was busy with something or other. Suddenly, Anthony pinned his gaze on him. "What has the situation been like at Vermillion Base these past few days, Mr. Dave?" Speaking of that, Dave looked up at him. "Why do you ask?"

"To understand the situation."

"But if I were to tell you, you'd likely take matters into your own hands again, no?"

"Even if you don't tell me anything, I'll still do the same!" Anthony stated honestly.

Dave chuckled lightly. "Your daddy really hit the nail on the head."

"Daddy said that?"

"Yeah!"

"So, you guys have a plan?" Anthony asked.

"Not just that, but we're about to execute it soon!" Dave said.

Upon hearing that, Anthony immediately asked, "Could you tell me about it? Perhaps I could be of some help.”

Dave studied him. "How can you help? By mobilizing Darknetz's forces?"